The Best Big Cities in the U.S.

Condé Nast Traveler readers cast more than 100,000 votes for their favorite cities in the U.S. in this year's Readers' Choice Awards survey—in fact, we got so much feedback, we had to divide our list in two. This roundup features the country's major metropolises, with populations over 150,000. Is your favorite on the list? Counting down...

New York, New York

NYC buzzes with the energy of a city (of 8.49 million) perpetually caffeinated—its people moving, creating, making the most of every block. After a visit to the requisite world-class museums—though who complains about visiting the Met?—make like a local by tucking into soup dumplings in Chinatown and walking it off on the High Line, or picnic in Bryant Park and catch free performances of Shakespeare. By night, head uptown for jazz in Harlem or grab a slice of crack pie for dessert at momofuku milk bar. In this town for all seasons, there's no wrong itinerary.

Chicago, Illinois

Despite its “Second City” nickname, Chicago is no stranger to the best: It was the center for the biggest architecture biennial in North America this year and home to a number of innovative chefs earning James Beard accolades. When in doubt, take a boat tour of the city and float beneath some of the country’s tallest buildings; catch stand-up at, well, the Second City; or see if you can actually get a reservation at Alinea, a leader in molecular gastronomy.

San Francisco, California

Long considered an incubator of innovation, San Francisco thrives in more ways than one: In addition to its strong start-up culture, it enjoys world-class arts, nearby hikes, and culinary prowess. Start your day with a fresh-baked olive roll from Acme Bread in the Ferry Building and hop on a Powell-Hyde streetcar for an uphill roll past some of the city’s characteristic, colorful buildings. Locals won’t miss a stroll along the shoreline at Golden Gate Promenade.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Considered the Crossroads of the Pacific, Honolulu is one of the country’s most beautiful capital cities—and one of its most diverse, too, home to South Pacific, Asian, and European influences. It's more than a little exotic, all without leaving American soil. Grab a bubble tea from Chinatown before heading up Manoa Falls Trail in Barack Obama’s old neighborhood of Makiki Heights, or explore ‘Iolani, the U.S.’s only royal palace.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Despite its devastation during Hurricane Katrina, the Big Easy remains one of the country’s top draws. And while many associate it only with Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street, the real New Orleans is best found in its blend of Creole, Cajun, and French roots, which seasons everything from its music to its food and cocktails. To kick back, New Orleans style, dive into doughy beignets drowned with powdered sugar and head over to Frenchmen Street for live music.

Boston, Massachusetts

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston has aged with style. For a quick refresh on the nation’s history, walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route of historic sites that takes you through the country’s founding. Other popular activities include seeking out the best oysters (check out Neptune), visiting the eclectic salon-style art display at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and catching a ball game at Fenway Park. Just be sure to learn the words to "Sweet Caroline" before you go.

Portland, Oregon

With more breweries than any other city in the world, bohemian, eco-friendly Portland is a verifiable beer-lover’s paradise—but that’s not all there is to it. Sitting at the base of the iconic Mount Hood, this compact city boasts amazing food, funky neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor activities. Start the day with Stumptown, explore miles of literature at Powell’s Books, and head to the immaculate Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Naples, Florida

Among the country’s best destinations for golf and sunshine (which also spells: a great place to retire), Naples is dotted with sleek hotels, shops, and restaurants. When you tire of steel and glass, head to the white “sugar” sand beaches at Clam Pass Park and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, or check out the symbolic Naples Pier for some fishing—and dolphin-watching.

Seattle, Washington

One of the most popular cities in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle draws crowds for its successful mix of innovative arts and technology, nature, and craft beer. (You thought we'd say coffee? Sure, there's that, too.) After grabbing breakfast from Macrina Bakery or down the street at Pike Place Market (try the pain au chocolat at Le Panier), you can take in most of the city on foot—through Olympic Sculpture Park, or up to Capitol Hill. For a different angle, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for skyline and Mount Rainier views.

San Diego, California

Sunny San Diego has long drawn visitors with its taquerias and beaches—it's home to some of the best in the state. Locals won’t miss slow-cooked lamb tacos at Aqui es Texcoco, or Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana, a south-of-the border transplant. To work off your meal, descend into caves at La Jolla Cove, where waves have carved pathways into sandstone cliffs, or explore the immense Balboa Park.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. isn't all work and no play—in fact, it's done good work of late to shake its reputation as a buttoned-up bore. In addition to having the greatest range of historic monuments and iconic buildings in the country, D.C. has quietly developed a reputation for its craft brewing, food halls (try Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market), and sprawling outdoor spaces. Come cherry blossom season, D.C. is the place to be.

San Antonio, Texas

Best known for its beautiful River Walk, historic Alamo, and rich heritage, San Antonio now has a hip side to explore: Its Pearl District is a pedestrian-friendly redevelopment with buzzy restaurants on the banks of the river. You also can't go wrong with smothered-chicken-fried steak at Lulu’s, and a visit to the Japanese tea gardens. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there for Fiesta, a ten-day heritage celebration that draws locals and tourists alike.

Nashville, Tennessee

In addition to being the nation’s epicenter of country music, Nashville is absolutely booming right now, filled to the brim with visitors in town just to check out the food, live music on Broadway, and shopping. Splurge on a pair of bespoke jeans at Imogene + Willie, wait in line for brunch at Biscuit Love (and make a dinner reservation at Husk), and stay in the luxurious—and historic—Hermitage Hotel. To catch a show in the Music City, head to Robert’s Western World for true honky-tonk.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

"Minnesota nice" is a real thing, and Minneapolis, the state’s most populous city, has it in spades. Locals will happily point you toward the iconic Guthrie Theater for a show, the Walker Art Museum for contemporary art, and Uptown and Lake of the Isles Park for miles and miles of bike—and walking—trails. By the way: a Juicy Lucy? A must.

Austin, Texas

The capital of Texas, historic Austin also holds claim to being one of the country’s hippest cities. Cool down with a pilsner at the city’s oldest beer garden, Scholz Garten, or take a dip in Barton Springs, located in the heart of Zilker Park—both activities will serve to baptize you as an honorary Austinite.